Pledge to Lead Change in Global Internships: Expanding Access via Paid Internships

Pledge to Lead Change in Global Internships: Expanding Access via Paid Internships

This plenary panel highlights how CIEE turned partner and student feedback into action through a $1 million commitment to paid global internships. Students and staff share firsthand perspectives on how paid opportunities remove financial barriers, expand access to global work experience, and build career-ready skills. Through personal stories and program insights from CIEE Centers worldwide, the session explores the impact of paid internships on equity, workforce preparation, and the future of global experiential learning to demonstrate what it takes to scale models that truly open doors for students.